Traditions You Need To Observe

As a stand-up guy it’s necessary to observe the traditions marked on your calendar. Forget to buy your comare flowers on her birthday or congratulate your parents on their 30th anniversary, and you’ll be left in the doghouse. There are dramatic consequences for screwing up these basic ”traditions,” which is why it’s easier to remember them. However, you also must respect and abide by a set of unspoken customs that get put on the back burner more often than not. These are the day-to-day rituals that keep your residence in order. They are an expression of true devotion to your family, and are symbolic of the responsibility and leadership that you, as the Don of the household, must maintain. Kick yourself in the ass and make sure you follow these traditions you need to observe.

Family dinner

Gathering around the dinner table each night with your family is important for many reasons. It’s a time when stories are shared and memories are made. With a demanding job it’s easy to lose track of the details of your family. This is your chance to fill in the gaps and make up for lost time. For us paisans, dinner is more than a meal — it is one of those traditions you need to observe and make sure that everyone takes part in. Whether you cook the pasta, bake the garlic bread or simply serve drinks, everyone in your family should have a role in the preparation of this feast. The key to a stable household is strong family ties.

Vacations

Taking a vacation to the same destination each year will create a bond between your familia However, these trips should not be fluff excursions to Maui or The Keys. Tropical islands and ski resorts won’t give your children a perspective on where you came from. I take my family back to the small town in Sicily where I grew up., the same village my grandparents continue to call “home.” My children can’t get by there without learning a little Italian and following the local customs. Make sure the ones you love value their heritage and know where they came from. That’s why family-centric vacations are traditions you need to observe.

The family roles

When I was growing up, my father issued rites of passage that I followed to the letter. And I genuinely feared the alternative. These days, kids are running over their parents left and right because they are soft. These little brats aren’t learning the fundamental skills and responsibility that are required of adults. And so what if they aren’t of legal working age? When your son turns 13, don’t give him allowance unless he mows the lawn. Have your daughter fix meals and clean up the kitchen. You didn’t have it any easier, and why should they? Just remember: don’t make blind demands. Show them how to complete these tasks before you send them off on their own. If you are fixing the plumbing, bring them along and show them the ropes. Next time a pipe bursts, let them take a shot at repairing it.